The people of the ancient world who must not have understood what caused a solar eclipse must have been terrified as they saw a shadow cross the sun, making the world dark. The Greek poet Archilochus saw it as an omen from Zeus, and the eclipse of Thales actually stopped a war since people could not fight in the dark.
The earliest recorded eclipse was in Ugarit, a wealthy port city, on March 5, 1223 BCE. Although Scripture doesn’t refer to eclipses, various references to the sun darkening and the moon turning to blood are signs of apocalypse and God’s judgment.
In our modern age as we understand solar and lunar eclipses, they become spectacles of the wonder of the universe created by God, fortunately, one of the few wonders that even corporate greed cannot alter or destroy.
Prayer for the Day
In awe, O God, we watch how your creation unfolds itself,
Which in your wisdom you have created for us;
The wonder of the universe reflects your design, O Lord,
Which although we can explain it, still overwhelms us.
Grant, O Holy One, that our wonder is reflected in care,
Protecting your gifts to us who inhabit the earth.
In the name of the One who walked among the lilies,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
Nothing in the world can surprise me now. For Zeus, the father of the Olympian, has turned mid-day into black night by shielding light from the blossoming sun, and now dark terror hangs over mankind. Anything may happen.
Archilochus, Greek poet (680-645 BCE)
Nations, like stars, are entitled to eclipse. All is well, provided the light returns and the eclipse does not become endless night. Dawn and resurrection are synonymous. The reappearance of the light is the same as the survival of the soul.
Victor Hugo, French novelist (1802-1885)
The heavens are gelling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims God’s handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard;
Yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and teir words to the end of the world.
Psalm 19: 1-4